The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community of Arizona opened its first casino ten years ago, on June 19, 1998.
Located in a small tent, Casino Arizona housed just 30 table games. But it was an instant hit.
"When the doors opened, people just ran in," Donna Cota, who is now a promotions assistant, told The Arizona Republic.
The tribe eventually signed a Class III gaming compact with the state and added 250 slot machines to the facility.
The tribe now operates two Casino Arizona locations with a total of 1,650 slot machines and is building an even bigger facility --- the Casino Arizona Resort & Spa -- that will open in 2010.
Get the Story:Casino Arizona hits milestone, anticipates next expansion (The Arizona Republic 6/20)